The decision to crucify Jesus ultimately rested with the Roman governor Pontius Pilate. The Gospels overemphasized the Jewish role in Jesus’ crucifixion.
Another celebrity makes headlines and proves once again that Hollywood and society have deeply internalized age-old antisemitic tropes.
In a text-written Instagram post published over the weekend, Oscar-winning actor Jaime Foxx wrote: They killed this dude named Jesus… What do you think they’ll do to you???! #fakefriends #fakelove”
After coming under fire, Jaime Foxx deleted the post and published an apology, stating, “I want to apologize to the Jewish community and everyone who was offended by my post. I now know my choice of words have caused offense and I’m sorry. That was never my intent.” He then continued: “To clarify, I was betrayed by a fake friend and that’s what I meant with ‘they’ not anything more. I only have love in my heart for everyone. I love and support the Jewish community. My deepest apologies to anyone who was offended.”
Foxx’s claim that his initial message was directed at a single person doesn’t add up. Even if Foxx had a grievance with a Jewish person, his post reflected his belief about an entire people. What is worse is that other celebrities with large platforms shared Foxx’s post, and over 130,000 people liked it, showing just how pervasive this trope is in mainstream society.
The myth that Jews were collectively responsible for the death of Jesus Christ, also known as “deicide,” has persisted for centuries. For thousands of years, the deicide charge has been used to justify unfathomable persecution and atrocities against Jewish communities. Although it has been dispelled by historians and Christian leaders (including the Catholic church), it is still used today to perpetuate harmful stereotypes about Jews.
ACTOR JAIME FOXX on the sidelines before an American football game, in Arlington, Texas, in 2021: After coming under fire, Foxx has deleted his post that Jews killed Jesus, and has published an apology. (photo credit: Tim Heitman/USA TODAY Sports/Reuters)
Why do people think that Jews killed Jesus?
The origin of “Jews killed Jesus” is found in the Gospel of Matthew (27:25) within the New Testament. This passage references Jewish religious leaders who were involved in delivering Jesus to the Roman authorities, leading to his eventual execution.
